Gabriel John Santos, of Hector, New York, left this world on February 22, 2026, at just 21 years of age. His passing was sudden, and our hearts are profoundly saddened. We share this not only with deep grief but also with gratitude for the joy and light he brought into our lives. His love, laughter, and spirit remain woven into us forever.

Gabriel is survived by his loving family: parents Allison and John Santos and brother Jude Santos; grandmothers Susan Hazlitt of Hector, NY, and Dorothea Santos of Auburndale, MA; aunts and uncles, Andra Moffett (Marijn) Dekkers, Timothy (Wendy) Moffett, Diane Noecker (Parrish), Alyce (Lee) Coffey, Rob Merletti, Mark Merletti, Kathy (Matt) Licata; cousins; Jacob and Samantha Moffett, Theodore and William Coffey, Marina, Stephanie and Alexandra Dekkers, Matthew Licata, Lucca and Milan Merletti, Grace and Phebe Wickham, the Hazlitt family; Eric (Tina)Hazlitt, Kristi Hazlitt, Jason (Rose) and Zephyr Hazlitt, and Erin (Brian) Hanley, Ryan and Austin Hazlitt; Santos family; Gerda and Heidi Seufert of FL, Linda Marcantonio(Tony) of NJ; and the Leach and Swanson families of Excelsior, MN. He is predeceased by grandparents: Bill and Hope Moffett of NY, Dr. George P Santos of MA, and Jim Hazlitt of NY.

A 2023 graduate of New Roots Charter School in Ithaca, NY; Gabe was never happier when sharing laughter with his friends exploring the wilds of Ithaca, especially 6 Mile Creek and Fall Creek. He loved being the center of attention; the daredevil clown who could warm a room in seconds and draw laughter from everyone around him. People were instantly taken by his infectious smile, his big, bright blue eyes, and that unmistakable unibrow! His intrepid spirit shone in activities of single-track/mountain biking, running, diving, climbing, cliff jumping, and most especially downhill and telemark skiing. He lived to push the limits of gravity, speed, and freedom. His graceful form on the hill was poetry in motion. Many joyful memories were made with friends and family, traversing East Coast ski mountains in search of the next epic run. Summers too were special, as countless hours were spent with family on Seneca Lake, swimming, laughing, and celebrating the joy of this life together.

Gabe showed a tender, curious heart toward all of Earth's offerings. He had an affinity for the numerous farm animals he helped raise under his mom's wing, but especially the goat kids he helped birth, the pigs whose bellies he loved to rub, and his border collie, Isis, whom he took to the New York State fair for an agility competition. In his later years, he took up gardening and an interest in viticulture. He began exploring his family’s passion for winemaking under the mentorship of Alexandra Bond at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards and Vagabond Wines, where he found purpose and joy in the craft.

Our time with Gabe was cut short, but the fearless, authentic spirit he showed us will always remain to guide us. We live forward in the stories we tell, the mountains we ski, the flowers we share, the music we vibe to, the homegrown food we eat, and the wine we drink, when together.

A celebration of life is planned for May 2, 2026, at the Curry Creek Farm, 6088 Beckhorn Road in Hector, NY.